South Africa’s economy benefited greatly from SA20 2025, which generated a total economic impact of USD 238 million towards the GDP, according to an independent report that also revealed important data on employment, GDP contributions, and direct expenditure. Season 2’s impressive figure exceeded the USD 227 million total from the first season.
Held in six locations between January 10 and February 9, 2024, the 34-match competition had a significant economic impact by boosting local companies, fostering job growth, and promoting economic expansion.
Key highlights from the report include:
8,077 annualized employment opportunities created
USD 83 Million direct expenditure into South Africa
USD 238 Million contributed to South Africa’s GDP
USD 55.3 Million contributed to household income
SA20 2025’s economic impact, according to League Commissioner Graeme Smith, “is a testament to the League’s growing influence and contribution to South Africa’s economy and skills development.”
Our main goal is still to provide outstanding cricket, but it’s encouraging to see that our work is benefiting South African communities more broadly. As the nation prepares to host the 2027 Cricket World Cup, we are also proud of the part we are playing in upskilling resources to help deliver future international events. We are grateful for the support of Cricket South Africa, our shareholders, and the investments made by our franchises, broadcasters, partners, stakeholders, and fans who share our vision to promote South African cricket and its growth.
The 2024 tournament once again demonstrated South Africa’s desire for top-tier cricket and top-notch entertainment, drawing large crowds to all six locations.
Approximately 38,000 fans from other provinces and close to 6000 foreign visitors arrived in South Africa.
Highlights include 10 sold-out games with over 380,000 spectators, up from the first season in 2023, and a sold-out Final for the second year in a row.
Additionally, the 2024 season experienced a record-breaking surge in broadcast and digital viewership, making the League the most watched event on SuperSport’s Premium Channel.
The League plans to empower new talent in the sport business by 2025 by hiring a big number of interns from all operational divisions. In addition to two current cricket players, Aviwe Mgijima and Dominic Hendricks, shadowing the cricket operations staff, there will be six Laureus YES Program interns stationed at the six locations, as well as interns in photography and digital media.
The Schools SA20 competition, which is open to more than 600 boys’ and girls’ schools nationwide, was also introduced by the League more recently.
On January 9, 2025, SA20 2025 will begin with Sunrisers Eastern Cape, the reigning champions, hosting MI Cape Town at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
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